Which term means bruise under the skin due to bleeding?

• A. Contusion
• B. Edema
• C. Ecchymosis
• D. Sepsis

Answer: (C)

Bruising under the skin from bleeding is described as ecchymosis. This term refers to the visible discoloration that appears after small blood vessels break and blood collects in the surrounding tissue, producing a purple/blue or greenish patch as it heals. Edema is swelling from fluid buildup and isn’t a bruise. Sepsis is a systemic infection and unrelated to a simple skin bruise. A contusion is the general injury that causes a bruise, but the specific sign of subcutaneous bleeding that shows up as discoloration is ecchymosis.